ABOUT HACKNEY SHED

Hackney Shed is a performing arts group for young people. We believe that every member of the group has something special to offer to the development of the art, and the development of the group. Hackney Shed works hard to provide an exciting, vibrant, creative and accepting place for children and young people to come together, share ideas and produce exciting theatre.

Established in 2001 with the support Chickenshed Theatre, we are now an independent charity.We are proud of our heritage and we are excited about the future as we continue to grow.

WORKSHOPS FOR7-19 YEAR OLDS

We run theatre workshops that include drama, singing, music and movement workshops every week, at B6 Sixth Form College, Clapton, Hackney.

THERE ARE THREE GROUPS

Children's Theatre

7-11 years old

Youth Theatre

11-16 years old

Young Company

16–19 years old

Each group works at its own pace and everyone is encouraged to develop their own ideas within the framework developed by practitioners.

Every year we work towards either combined or separate performances, placing equal emphasis on process and product and employing our inclusive workshop techniques throughout.

MENTORING AND TRAINING

Another key area of Hackney Shed's focus is our mentoring and training. This offers youth theatre members the opportunity to take more responsibility in supporting the children's theatre with the ultimate aim to become practitioners themselves. They lead planned activities within the workshop, and are encouraged to develop their own workshop ideas.

We also have many skilled volunteer practitioners who attend each week and we offer termly training for their development in our inclusive processes.

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE

Hackney Shed offers an accessible and inclusive place where children and young people can become valuable members of the company, exploring their creativity and working inclusively with their peers.

Our children and young people attend both special and mainstream education in the borough. Everything that we do is accessible on many levels to ensure that everyone is able to take part.

As part of the Discover Young Hackney festival in 2009, Hackney Shed won 'Most Accessible project' award for our Play in a Day project.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN

We have a suggested £25 per term donation but offer alternative payment plans when necessary. We never turn anyone away due to financial difficulty.

What People Say About Hackney Shed

“It was good that we made up our own song – Better than just singing something boring that someone else made up!”

"The best thing is that we have a proper theatre, with lights and costumes and musicians and everything, so when we do a show it feels like a real show, not just kids.”

"Hackney Shed enriches my child's life on so many levels. She is not only learning theatre skills, but so much more. She is learning about community and co-operation, and is gaining in confidence and self-worth."

"As a parent with a child with special needs I value the inclusivity over and above everything. This is from the point of view both of how good it is for him to feel included and valued but also from the point of view of my other two children who are able to see him and others with special needs being on an equal footing."

"We have been Hackney residents for nearly 20 years and have been very proud to find such an excellent opportunity for all children right on our doorstep."

"It is the highlight of my son’s week. It has increased his confidence and he feels really bonded with the Hackney Shed staff and other students."

"Hackney Shed offers outstanding value for money, excelling inclusivity and highly professional , motivated and supportive staff. It is the only show in town!"

"Hackney Shed was chosen because of its great reputation in the area and after attending a few sessions my daughter and I were totally enamoured by the dedication, commitment and high standards of the teaching by the staff, they truly are an amazing bunch."

"My daughter has gained a lot of confidence, not only in her drama skills but in her general demeanour as a result of attending Hackney Shed."